The longest I've hiked without meeting up with someone not in my party was four days while backpacking in the Rocky Mountains. But, on most day hikes, you will probably encounter other hikers and maybe some bikers or horse riders. Being prepared for these meetings before they happen is a good thing.
Share the Trail
There's a saying: You'll never win a fight with an automobile. The same general rule applies to any situation in which you find yourself - the bigger object wins. On trails, a hiker is about the smallest, slowest object so it is in your best interest to yield to any other mode of transportation you encounter.
A commonly used trail sharing sign is shown here.
The rules are:
- Bikers yield to hikers and horses
- Hikers yield to Horses
As a slow, unprotected hiker, I'm not about to argue the right of way with a horse or biker or ATV or anything else I might meet. I will always politely yield the trail and use the time to take a deep breath and say 'Howdy'.
Here are a bunch of tips to make it easier to share the trail with others. Please remember these and try to follow them and pass them on to new hikers:
- Stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks or take shortcuts.
- Stay to the right on wider paths.
- Pass on the left.
- When overtaking someone, let them know you are approaching and will be passing on their left. You may hear a biker call out, "On your Left!" as he comes up from behind. That means you should stay to your right.
- Whenever you stop for a view, a rest, or to yield, move off the trail so it is free for others. If you are selecting the spot for a rest, get off on a used area or a durable surface such as a rock, dirt, or snow. Don't just trample off the trail into a nice soft field of grass and flowers.
- Hikers going uphill are working hard and should be given the right of way over hikers coming downhill. Sometimes uphill hikers will prefer to stop and let you pass coming down so they can get a short break. The uphill hiker should get to make the call.
- Greet people you meet. This makes sure they know you are there and is polite. A simple "Howdy" or "Nice Day" is fine.
- When hiking in a group, yield to single or pair hikers. It's harder for a group to get off the trail so often times singles will stop and let you all pass, but its their call.
- When hiking in a group, hike single file or take no more than half of a wide trail. Make sure everyone in your group understands what actions to take when encountering hikers, bikers, and horses.
When meeting a horse:- Get off the trail on the downhill side. Horses will tend to bolt uphill when spooked. Also, you waiting on the uphill side looks more like a predator waiting to pounce.
- Quietly greet the rider and ask if you are ok where you are.
- Stand quietly while the horses pass.
- Hike Quietly. Echos are fun, but keep conversations quiet and enjoy the lack of horns, engines, and city noises. There is such a thing as noise pollution. And, in my view, cellphones are the worst form of this pollution.
- Don't leave any markers when hiking off-trail. Cairns, ducks, or little piles of rocks are not needed. If people are hiking cross-country, their compass and map are all they need. Markers tend to concentrate traffic which creates more unmanaged trail scars. Or, markers pop up all over and serve no navigational purpose.
- Read trailhead guidelines. There may be specific rules for the trail you are on.
- Pack It In - Pack It Out. I am always amazed to find litter. It just does not make sense that someone spending time to get out into nature would purposely destroy it. I just don't get it.
- Take a Picture. A pretty rock or a bunch of flowers deserve to remain where they are. We have a need for mementos of our adventures, but picture in your mind what the place would look like if the group before you had taken what you are about to put in your pocket.
- Report vandalism. If there is contact information at the trailhead, tell the managing agency of any destruction or management needs you notice.
On the Soapbox
You will run into some people that feel they have a right to do whatever they want outdoors. You'll see areas where horses were tied to trees, ruining the bark and killing the trees. You'll see wide, braided trails around muddy spots with footprints, hoofprints, and tiretracks all adding to the damage. You'll see washed out gullies created by mountain bikers having fun tearing down the mountain. You'll have a biker fly past you with no warning.
These are the people that make an impression. Keep your eyes open for them for your own safety, but also recognize the many others that are courteous and polite. And, make sure people put you into the courteous and polite category after they've met you on the trail.
Hike On: Hiking Gear
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Comments:
Feb 16, 2012 - Frank Will - a.k.a "Trail Dog"
Thank you for the wonderful trail info. It would also be nice to include the proper use of whistles.
Mar 06, 2012 - Wandrin LloydNot sure where it ever became etiquette to yield to uphill hikers. Hiking solo today and gasping for breath on the uphill climb, I met six people who wanted to yield the trail. Give me a break. Please! I wanted to stop and catch my breath. I stepped off the trail to catch my breath. I commented to them that I never did understand the logic for the yielding to uphill traffic. Turns out these hikers also agreed that it was a poor rule as they saw me gasping for air.
However, it is a good rule for vehicles. Vehicles going uphill should have the right of way on those narrow roads. Stopping, they may never get started again going up hill.
Like your caveat noted, it is up to the hikers who decide who will yield.
Mar 07, 2012 - Hiking DudeHowever, it is a good rule for vehicles. Vehicles going uphill should have the right of way on those narrow roads. Stopping, they may never get started again going up hill.
Like your caveat noted, it is up to the hikers who decide who will yield.
Lloyd - Someone going downhill has a much farther view ahead than someone going up. He is not working as hard and often has more time to find a good pull-out spot.
Someone going uphill is often concentrating on moving forward and may mostly be only seeing the trail a few feet ahead.
If you're gasping for air, I'd say it might be a good idea to slow down a bit - but that's just me.
May 17, 2012 - EquusriderSomeone going uphill is often concentrating on moving forward and may mostly be only seeing the trail a few feet ahead.
If you're gasping for air, I'd say it might be a good idea to slow down a bit - but that's just me.
Thanks for the info on horses. As a horse back rider, Im often frustrated with the lack of education about or concern for equestrians. Often we get off the trail anyway because it is not worth my life hoping that the bikers, dirt bikers and hikers are educated about yielding to horses. Most hikers and bikers I come across are very courteous, but it is the ones who aren't that can get me killed. Can I have some suggestions. Cyclist, Please as you approach from behind, give a yell that you are there and coming up behind. Hikers please, when get off the trail don't hide behind bushes. Stay visible and speak up; say "HI". Horses are prey animals and it is the mountain lions who stay silent and hidden. Horses, don't always recognize you and your backpack as a human. Speaking out will tell the horse, you are not a predator and you are not going to eat them.
May 17, 2012 - Hiking DudeEquusrider - on my AZ Trail hike, I carried a silver sun umbrella many days. The first horse I encountered stopped dead in its tracks about a quarter mile away and I was a bit confused. Aha! I collapsed my umbrella and kept walking and the horse was fine. I guess I looked like a very strange Something out there.
After that, I would collapse my umbrella as soon as I saw a horse.
Jun 28, 2012 - Jeanine PerezAfter that, I would collapse my umbrella as soon as I saw a horse.
I want to thank you so much about the downhill uphill rule. Because I love to hike uphill and take a no prisoners style of hiking approach. On the way down I enjoy the scenery and sometime jog but feel no pressure and enjoy being sociable. Also I sometime hike with groups and didn't know that singles and couples had the right of way thanks for the great info.
Jul 27, 2012 - NeetI always yield to horses, but it seems to me that horse people approaching hikers should communicate and take responsibility for not running people over, just as cars are not allowed to run people over in the street. I can't possibly hurt a horse if I run into it, but the horse can hurt or kill me. And horse can move infinitely faster than I can, especially if I have an overnight pack on.
Again, I personally always yield thoughtfully and politely, but it seems as though theoretically the horseback rider should take responsibility for not hurting hikers first. Then, if the hiker is nice, s/he can choose to yield to the horse since it's easier as a person to get off the trail than it is for a horse. But if for some reason the hiker doesn't choose to yield, the horseback rider should at least hold the horse still until the hiker can get by. Does this logic seem reasonable to anyone else?
Aug 02, 2012 - katrinaAgain, I personally always yield thoughtfully and politely, but it seems as though theoretically the horseback rider should take responsibility for not hurting hikers first. Then, if the hiker is nice, s/he can choose to yield to the horse since it's easier as a person to get off the trail than it is for a horse. But if for some reason the hiker doesn't choose to yield, the horseback rider should at least hold the horse still until the hiker can get by. Does this logic seem reasonable to anyone else?
Another trail etiquette rule not mentioned: stay in communication with your own hiking party. If you and your buddies stop for a quick rest at a beautiful view or shady creek, make sure your group knows if you're hiking on before they're ready to go. Likewise, know where partner(s) are before you hike on. I was one of a group of three that stopped at a creek last weekend -- on a quiet, unpopulated trail --and the other two left the creekside while I was digging in my pack for my camera. I didn't hear them go and was lucky to spot them way up the trail when I noticed they were gone. Either they didn't care or didn't notice...either way, it is bad form and potentially very dangerous.
Aug 03, 2012 - Hiking DudeNeet - sure, it makes sense. But, a 150pound person can't force a 1,200pound horse to stay still or not be frightened. And a frightened animal can't be controlled.
The point you made is a key reason for humans to give way to horses - we make much less impact. 200pounds distributed on 2 footprints is a lot less disruptive than 1500pounds on 4 hooves that are stomping around instead of standing quietly.
Using your analogy, a hiker that refuses to give way to a horse is about as bright as a pedestrian that refuses to give way to a car.
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katrina - keeping a group together is more of a safety note than etiquette, but it is important. Communicating in your group and watching out for each other should be a set expectation before you ever set foot on the trail.
Aug 11, 2012 - RussThe point you made is a key reason for humans to give way to horses - we make much less impact. 200pounds distributed on 2 footprints is a lot less disruptive than 1500pounds on 4 hooves that are stomping around instead of standing quietly.
Using your analogy, a hiker that refuses to give way to a horse is about as bright as a pedestrian that refuses to give way to a car.
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katrina - keeping a group together is more of a safety note than etiquette, but it is important. Communicating in your group and watching out for each other should be a set expectation before you ever set foot on the trail.
I'll add a few observations. Re horses: they often come in groups, and seem to include very inexperienced riders. Applying the rules of the road seem unwise. After all, vehicles presumably all stop or slow as expected when brakes applied. Why assume so with a large, burdened animal. Out of their way and not spooking them in any way is very sound. Re bikes: I have rarely encountered a bike that yielded or slowed at all around hikers. They also often approach from behind with little warning and can startle. Those simple thumb bells we had on our bikes when we were 10 would help, but they are so "unhip". I have little suggestion for the hikers though.
Oct 04, 2012 - BlackatBeing a horse rider I can only say that horses are "unpredictable". The yielding to horses rule really is for the safety of the hiker...
Even a very experienced rider on a very good trail horse will run into hairy situations. If there is a poor person on the way it cannot end well.
I've been stepped on more than once by great horses that got spooked by the most banal such as a strange looking log (really!) - It could break your foot or a toe very easily.
Oct 29, 2012 - frustratedEven a very experienced rider on a very good trail horse will run into hairy situations. If there is a poor person on the way it cannot end well.
I've been stepped on more than once by great horses that got spooked by the most banal such as a strange looking log (really!) - It could break your foot or a toe very easily.
I hope some of your readers can help us. We own a piece of undeveloped property which for years people have crossed to reach a hiking/biking trail. We don't mind. We want to keep it open for those who enjoy the sport. Our problem--One couple who walk before daylight have been using the bushes for toilet purposes, leaving their business uncovered and paper to blow across the hillside. We have posted it \"PRIVATE PROPERTY, Please stay on trail\". They continue to do their business AND have even knocked the sign down a couple of times. We know who they are and have even turned the security cameras so we can see them going into the bush. We had trouble with these same people a few years ago tearing down a short fence that diverted hikers/bikers around an unsafe area. They don't walk every day, so it is hard to catch them at it. I have sat at my window at 5am watching for them. How would your readers handle this situation? Thanks.
Oct 31, 2012 - Hiking Dudefrustrated - Too weird. Doesn't make sense to me to leave my warm house and walk to a neighbor's property to use it as a bathroom in the cold morning.
If you know who it is, and it is your property, can't you just tell them they are not welcome on your property? If you have video of them leaving the trail and going into the bush, tell them that and then provide it to the police if you need their assistance.
Nov 25, 2012 - John LipscombIf you know who it is, and it is your property, can't you just tell them they are not welcome on your property? If you have video of them leaving the trail and going into the bush, tell them that and then provide it to the police if you need their assistance.
What is the accepted method concerning walking trails with dogs on a leash. Certainly, the leash should be as short as possible and trained dogs walk on the left of the human. That places the dog close to passing traffic (other walkers, bikes, etc). I ask because even dogs who behavior well may cause concern to passing traffic (or meeting traffic) as some may not see the dog until passing.
Dec 01, 2012 - Hiking DudeJohn - On a shared use trail, everyone is responsible to be in control of themselves and their pets. That means having a short leash (not a 6 or 8 foot leash) so your dog can not attack another pet or trail user. If your dog tends to be aggressive, a dog muzzle would be good, or walking it where there are no other people around. If that's not the case, then it's just a matter of preventing collisions.
The other trail users have the responsibility to be in control of their bicycle or their feet. They should be able to stop quickly when passing you since your dog may take a step into their path. As you probably have experienced, this often is not the case but it is the goal.
So, dog on short leash on your left is just fine. If you see someone coming towards you, you can certainly guide your dog to your right side of the trail until the person is passed. I expect he'll enjoy exploring whatever he finds off the trail, too.
Jan 06, 2013 - ElizabethThe other trail users have the responsibility to be in control of their bicycle or their feet. They should be able to stop quickly when passing you since your dog may take a step into their path. As you probably have experienced, this often is not the case but it is the goal.
So, dog on short leash on your left is just fine. If you see someone coming towards you, you can certainly guide your dog to your right side of the trail until the person is passed. I expect he'll enjoy exploring whatever he finds off the trail, too.
Thank you for these great tips on trail etiquette. I have shared with my walking/hiking group in the Bay Area, pointing them to this web site as well.
Jan 21, 2013 - Tamara Klein Good info on trail etiquette. My concern is the amount of dogs off lead. I like dogs, but I don't enjoy a dog running full speed up to me and the whole "it's ok, he's friendly", mentality. This is some good info to share.
Jan 22, 2013 - Hiking DudeTamara - Yes, that "it's ok, he's friendly" is an all-too-common phrase heard on the trail. Especially when it is peeing on the sign that clearly states "keep dogs on leash". :-)
Mar 10, 2013 - HillbillyThanks for putting this together. On hike we routinely review these tips before hitting the trail in the hope newbies will pass these concepts on to their friends.
Of all the transgressions I encounter along the trail the two most irksome; The unleashed un-nerving and un-welcome "s/he's friendly Dog visits" and the all too audible unyeilding conversation which can be heard from at least 1/2 mi before arriving and continues for the 1/2 mile beyond. I useually stop to allow the nusciance to pass on returning nature to it's own. I remain on stand by all the while for medical emergency, concerned that the offender has not stopped speaking to breath for such a long period they may fail and falter for lack of oxygen! (if only)
Apr 19, 2013 - MartisOf all the transgressions I encounter along the trail the two most irksome; The unleashed un-nerving and un-welcome "s/he's friendly Dog visits" and the all too audible unyeilding conversation which can be heard from at least 1/2 mi before arriving and continues for the 1/2 mile beyond. I useually stop to allow the nusciance to pass on returning nature to it's own. I remain on stand by all the while for medical emergency, concerned that the offender has not stopped speaking to breath for such a long period they may fail and falter for lack of oxygen! (if only)
From a deaf hiker. Please bikers if you call out "on your left" and the hiker do not move, do not carry on at full speed, give the hiker space. I have been hit by a bicycle more than once. I always hike with hearing people but they not always have time to let me know.
People usually give space to special need hikers, but hearing impaired hikers are not that easy to spot by eye.
May 05, 2013 - KarthikPeople usually give space to special need hikers, but hearing impaired hikers are not that easy to spot by eye.
Great info! I recently hiked in Grand Canyon and wanted to get my body warmed up during the start of the hike downhill as it was a cold morning, too. There were a LOT of people going downhill and in my excitement to jog, I put on my earphones and started to sprint heartily downhill. Almost everybody I passed were courteous and even exchanged a smile, but, I believe a few weren't too happy about me passing like that. Would you say I was being rude to my fellow hikers? By the way, just like me, few more people were jogging/sprinting/running along as well. Also, I'd like to know your comments on listening to music during hikes.
May 06, 2013 - C0BALTListening to headphones to me is like going to a free concert, and then putting on headphones and listening to different music than what is playing at the concert. Running on trails that are used by walkers and long distance hikers is also like bringing your city apartment sidewalk out to the wilderness. Most people do tolerate trail runners. Trail runners are also very unaware audibly or visually of anything going on around them, other than the 2 metres in front of them. They are the ones that aren't prepared (with any gear) for anything when something bad happens. Trail runners also tend to be a distraction on the trail from the wilderness around. So yes, wearing headphones, listening to music and trail running... why not just stay at home and run on a treadmill and look at a 3d bluray of the Canyon?
Most hikers do go into the wilderness to experience it at a slow walking speed and to have all their senses stimulated by the nature around them, including the natural sounds.
May 06, 2013 - Hiking DudeMost hikers do go into the wilderness to experience it at a slow walking speed and to have all their senses stimulated by the nature around them, including the natural sounds.
Karthik - I like cobalt's analogy, but don't feel so strongly his generalization of trail runners.
Wilderness races are popular and I have no problem with people running on trails. But, they have a responsibility to stay in control, be safe, and not impact other users.
It would make sense to slow down and announce your presence when overtaking someone - something like "passing on your left, please".
As far as listening to music - I think it's unsafe, distracting, and silly. It tunes out the world around you and you may not hear important sounds, such as snakes, animals in the brush, yells for help, or runners overtaking you saying "on your left".
Wilderness races are popular and I have no problem with people running on trails. But, they have a responsibility to stay in control, be safe, and not impact other users.
It would make sense to slow down and announce your presence when overtaking someone - something like "passing on your left, please".
As far as listening to music - I think it's unsafe, distracting, and silly. It tunes out the world around you and you may not hear important sounds, such as snakes, animals in the brush, yells for help, or runners overtaking you saying "on your left".
